Psychological disorders
Psychological disorders are rampant in today’s society. It is therefore important to tackle such at an early stage to allow for quick treatment. Causes of these disorders include anxiety disorders, trauma, neurodevelopmental disorders, bipolar disorders and depressive disorders. Psychological test aid in identifying these disorders and work on solutions. The tests are used to observe and measure clients’ behavior to arrive at a diagnosis and guide treatment. Tests involve checklists and questionnaires. These tests supplement clinical interviews. A lot of information is gathered in a short period of time and the methods used are cost efficient. The tests also play a big role in further development of applied psychology.
Some of the advantages of psychological tests include, helping in decision making. This is because it is an objective way of getting information used in decision making. It is not completely necessary but may give knowledge to make more informed decisions.
Secondly, the tests help in problem solving. Information from the tests is objective and helps patients get clearer pictures of themselves and this allows them to open their minds to news ways of solving problems. Since it also shows strengths, one can choose to focus on that.
Thirdly, it helps one to focus on development. Psychology focuses on change and can therefore be used to assess the level of development in specific areas. The tests results reveal both strengths and weaknesses. This helps psychologists focus on patients’ developments as opposed to limitations.
Some of the limitation of psychological tests include, varying interpretations and uses. The decisions from the tests are the responsibility of the administering psychologist. Psychologist interpretations may differ and thus a difference in actions to be taken.
Secondly, uncertainty in measurements occurs since the tests measure non-observable things. This causes a gap between what it attempts to measure and what it actually measures. Measurements involve patients responding to hypothetical situations some of which the individuals would choose differently if the situation was real.